I really enjoy participating in coaching chats on Twitter; a week or two ago I participated in a chat on EMPTY formations with Texas High School FB Chat (link can be found here). The discussion with several coaches spurned some additional thoughts, which I will share here.

HAVE A PURPOSEWhat is the goal of installing EMPTY? More importantly, what is the defensive response we want?- Do we want a blitz?- Do we not want a blitz?- Can we dictate man or zone coverage?- Does a 3-4 team become a 4 down team when they go Nickel?

It's of paramount importance to know the answers one will get regardless of formation; below is an example of the thought process involved in a normal "TRIPS" set:

DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL

The opportunity for EMPTY to help in the attack either exists or it doesn't. If there, stick with basic ideas that are already in the normal attack, particularly from a QB read standpoint. The last thing a coach needs to do is come up with a special set of rules for reads (or protection for that matter) that don't already exist in the system's normal mode of operation. On the left, there is a standard coverage beater in which the QB will work weak vs. 1 high and strong vs 2 high. In order to assure us the look we want, if we are to provide a variation, we could go to the formation on the left.

Why was "bunch" chosen? - To protect the split of A, who we want to drag- To get a zone check - common to prevent the rub-offs man coverage endures vs. Bunch.

PROTECT THE FORMATION

Here, there are 2 main trains of thought. First, we can protect empty principles by MOTIONING to empty (as we did above). As complicated as defenses have become, last minute movement from 1 back to no-back can catch the defense flat-footed. In some instances, quick-rhythm throws can be created for the QB that wouldn't otherwise be there. A terrific illustration of this can be seen here:

Second, the formation must be protected by having a sound set of patterns attached. One must be careful to allow the passer quick throws while still making the defense defend the depth of the field. Too often, coaches can become too horizontal in their thinking; they must also be sure not to let the defense off the hook. In the diagram below, for example, there are both vertical stems, quick breakers, and crossing routes (and a well defined thought process for the QB):

Another aspect of the offense that really lends well to EMPTY is the use of the RAM Advantage Principle. Because of the configuration of the defense, the QB is given an easy key in dissecting the defense. Further, the coach is aided in his practice plan: he only needs to work the pattern on the left vs. 2 deep, and the right side vs. 3 deep zones (the formation will likely only get 1 LB deployed to the left if 2 deep, and 2 LB weak in a 3-deep configuration).

REMEMBER: PLAYERS WIN GAMES

Leave your best players on the field. If your featured set is represented with a TE and a stud RB, then create your empty formation from there. Here, there is an H back, with the RB deployed as a slot - and inviting the ball to go to the best receiver, X.